Pope prays for the Philippines

Pope Francis blessed a mosaic of Philippines Saint Pedro Calungsod in the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday afternoon. The mosaic will be near the tomb of Pope Paul VI. He was joined by the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. During the ceremony, Pope Francis gave a few words of comfort to the people of the country, suffering the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.

“We wonder why these things happen, which you cannot explain,” he said. “In these times of suffering, never tire of asking why, because you will attract the tenderness of the Father.”

He also said times of suffering prayer is of even more help, and he assured the Filipino people of his prayers.